Easy Ricotta and Yogurt Parfait

If you ask me, breakfast parfaits are the smartest way to start your day.

This simple combination of creamy ricotta and tangy yogurt creates a breakfast that’s both filling and light. The smooth, cloud-like layers come together with a mix of sweet and tart flavors that wake up your taste buds.

I like to layer mine with fresh berries and a sprinkle of honey, but the real game-changer is mixing the ricotta and yogurt together first. It makes the texture extra smooth and gives each spoonful the perfect balance.

It’s an easy morning treat that feels special without any fuss – perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekend brunches.

What Kind of Greek Yogurt Should I Use?

While this recipe calls for nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt, you’ve got plenty of options to make this parfait your own. Regular full-fat or 2% Greek yogurt will give you a creamier, richer result, and you can always add a splash of vanilla extract if you’re starting with plain yogurt. The main thing to look for is that thick, strained texture that makes Greek yogurt special – it’s what helps create those nice, defined layers in your parfait. Just check the label to make sure you’re getting real Greek yogurt and not regular yogurt with thickeners, since the authentic stuff will hold up better in your parfait and pack more protein per serving.

Options for Substitutions

This simple parfait recipe is easy to customize based on what you have in your kitchen:

• Greek yogurt: Regular plain yogurt works too, but strain it in a cheesecloth for 1-2 hours first to get that thick texture. You can also use dairy-free alternatives like coconut or almond yogurt.
• Ricotta cheese: Cottage cheese makes a good swap – just blend it briefly for a smoother texture. For a dairy-free option, try silken tofu blended until creamy.
• Lemon zest: Orange or lime zest can add a different but equally fresh citrus note. If you don’t have any citrus, a splash of vanilla extract works too.
• Raspberries: Any fresh berries will work great here – try strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries. Even diced peaches or mangoes are nice alternatives.
• Sliced almonds: Feel free to use any nuts you have – chopped walnuts, pecans, or pistachios all add that nice crunch. Seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds work too.
• Chia seeds: Hemp seeds, flax seeds, or poppy seeds can replace chia seeds. You can also skip them entirely – they’re optional for texture and nutrition.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest challenge when making parfaits is getting the texture right – mixing the ricotta and yogurt too vigorously can make the mixture too runny, so use gentle folding motions instead of aggressive stirring. A common mistake is adding fresh raspberries directly to the yogurt mixture, which can make it watery – instead, layer them separately and add them just before serving to maintain the parfait’s structure. For the best consistency, drain your ricotta cheese in a fine-mesh strainer for about 30 minutes before using, as excess moisture can make your parfait loose and messy. To keep the almonds and chia seeds crunchy, remember to add them as the final topping just before eating, since mixing them in advance will cause them to become soft and lose their satisfying crunch.

What to Serve With Parfaits?

Since this creamy parfait is already packed with protein and fresh fruit, it makes a great breakfast or snack on its own, but there are some tasty ways to round out the meal! A slice of warm banana bread or a fresh-baked muffin adds a cozy touch that pairs perfectly with the cool, creamy layers. For a more substantial breakfast, serve your parfait alongside some crispy whole grain toast spread with almond butter, or add a handful of granola on top for extra crunch. If you’re serving these parfaits as an afternoon snack, a cup of hot tea or iced coffee makes the perfect beverage companion.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: If you want to enjoy your parfait later, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or pop it in an airtight container. It’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just keep in mind that the nuts might lose some of their crunch, so you might want to add those fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Meal Prep: These parfaits are perfect for making ahead! Layer your yogurt, ricotta, and fruit in containers, but keep the almonds and chia seeds in separate small containers or bags. When you’re ready to eat, just sprinkle on your toppings and enjoy. You can prep 2-3 parfaits at once for easy grab-and-go breakfasts.

Assembly Tips: If you’re planning to eat your parfait later, try layering the yogurt mixture first, followed by the ricotta blend, and then the berries. This helps keep everything fresh and prevents the fruit from sinking to the bottom. Remember to give it a little stir before eating to mix all those yummy flavors together!

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0 minutes
Total Time	10-15 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 250-300
• Protein: 20-25 g
• Fat: 6-8 g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35 g

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup nonfat vanilla greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 1/4 cup fresh raspberries
• 1 tablespoon sliced almonds
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds

Step 1: Prepare the Yogurt Mixture

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the yogurt, ricotta cheese, and freshly grated lemon zest.

Mix them together thoroughly until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency, ensuring the lemon zest is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 2: Add the Toppings

Gently top the yogurt and ricotta mixture with fresh raspberries.

Sprinkle a handful of sliced almonds and chia seeds over the raspberries.

These toppings will add texture and a burst of flavor to your dish.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

Once you’ve arranged your toppings, the dish is ready to be served.

You can enjoy it immediately, or let it chill for a few minutes in the refrigerator if you prefer a cooler treat.

Enjoy this delicious and nutritious combination as a satisfying breakfast, snack, or dessert!